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What is this on my bay tree???

CamelliadCamelliad Posts: 402
in Problem solving
Caterpillars? Something else? I can see what looks like larvae, and leaves wrapped around things and turned yellow, I can see webbing and blue dust. I've cut away the affected leaves (most of them) leaving a slightly sad looking plant. Is there anything else I can do or is it a goner?


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  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,365
    Hi Hidcote, it looks like it might be this?
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/Profile?pid=505

    Seems not too horrendous  the advice on the RHS site says you can cut the bad bits off. And it looks like the rest of your bay is nice and healthy.


  • CamelliadCamelliad Posts: 402
    Thank you Rubytoo. That's really helpful.

    Looks like it might be fairly common. I have two and both are affected. They're about 10 years old - recently repotted them. Wondering if I've changed the conditions somehow as this is the first time they've been struck with this.

    Affected leaves all gone. I've sprayed the remaining leaves with some diluted washing up liquid.  Hoping that will help. Will keep an eye on it.
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,521
    I have this on my bay trees and I keep a close eye on them, removing any affected leaves as soon as they show signs of bay sucker. Seems to work.
  • CamelliadCamelliad Posts: 402
    Thanks Ceres. Are the first signs curling leaf? 
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,521
    Yes. Just picked these and you can see that it starts with a slight curl....then it gets messy.
  • CamelliadCamelliad Posts: 402
    Oh yes! Are those the bugs on the underside of the leaf I wonder? I know what to keep an eye out for now, thank you!
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,521
    These sites have some nice photos of the little creatures that are wrapped in the leaves. http://www.aphotofauna.com/bug_psyllid_lauritrioza_trioza_alacris.html


  • CamelliadCamelliad Posts: 402
    Urgh.
    <roots around in understairs cupboard for flame thrower>
  • B3B3 Posts: 26,492
    Hose them off with a strong jet of water. Prune off the badly affected leaves.
     the
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,365
    @Ceres thanks for taking the time to do such a great set of pictures.
    Sorry you have them too, I will try and remember if anyone ever asks again to search or link them to this thread.
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